News

A Year in Review 2017

December 5, 2017

2017 has been another outstanding year of project delivery for us at Cockram Construction. Across Australia, we have delivered technically complex projects to our clients in our traditional sectors as well as continuing our growth geographically and into new sectors.

We are proud to offer a full-service construction offering to clients on projects throughout the entire country.

We look forward to continuing to have “outstanding people delivering outstanding projects” to our clients in 2018.

Project Award – RSL LifeCare RACF Kaleen ACT

August 29, 2017

The Canberra office is proud to announce we have secured the $16M RSL LifeCare RACF Kaleen project.

The RSL Lifecare RACF project involves the design and construction of a two-storey, 80 high care bed facility located in Kaleen. The facility will include 80 ensuite rooms, communal lounge and dining areas, a reception area, lobby, administration areas and commercial kitchen.

At the heart of the building will be a central courtyard, with multiple gazebo’s and a bird aviary. This space will provide the residents with a inviting breakout space to enjoy the warmer months and appreciate the landscaped gardens.

This portion is stage 1 of 4, with the additional stages to be tendered at a later date. The future works are expected to include an additional 90 units, community centre, bowling green and a 121-space car park.

Well done to our bid team; David Alty, Luke Bruvel, and Skye Russell for their efforts securing this project.

Cockram Win Safety Award Again!

Safety is at the forefront of everything that we do and we are delighted to confirm that Cockram is the winner of the 2017 Master Builders Excellence in Construction Award for Excellence in Health & Safety on our CSL AlbuRX Facility project in Broadmeadows.

CSL is currently expanding its manufacturing base in Broadmeadows with the new AlbuRX facility. When completed, the facility will manufacture a blood plasma-based intravenous therapy, which is produced soley in the recently completed CSL facility in Bern, Switzerland. The product is primarily used for the treatment of burns, shock, pancreatitis and albumin loss.

The project presented a significant number of challenges for the site team in our construction methodology who have embraced the opportunity with innovative approaches to maintain programme and ensure at all times the health & safety of all workers on site.

ACT Master Builders – Commercial building of the year above $50M – Australian National University Student Accommodation no. 5

July 10, 2017

Cockram announces Reconciliation Action Plan 2017-2018

June 1, 2017

Cockram is committed to making a positive contribution to Closing the Gap that exists between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians in the areas of Employment, Education & Training.

Closing the gap in these areas we believe will assist in closing gaps in other areas, including incarceration, health and life expectancy.

Cockram hopes to achieve this goal through educating its staff on Reconciliation and through providing Indigenous employment opportunities within the Construction Industry.

We are very proud and excited to now announce our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) which is our roadmap of practical actions towards achieving and creating meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities for Indigenous Australians.

We understand that having a RAP in place will further benefit our business and is equally good for the economy. It will contribute heavily towards a number of key developmental business areas including compliance, supplier diversity, meeting customer’s needs for changed procurement preferences, staff engagement and cultural awareness – all touch points that are equally important in supporting other indigenous businesses on their journey.

Burwood Hospital Redevelopment wins NALCO Health Project Award

May 19, 2017

The Leighs Cockram JV Ltd team are delighted to confirm that our NZ$200M Burwood Hospital redevelopment project was the winner of the NALCO Health Project Award at the New Zealand Commercial Project Awards, recently held in Auckland and hosted by the Registered Master Builders Association of New Zealand.

Australian Catholic University Veritas Building

The Canberra office is proud to announce we have secured the $13M Australian Catholic University Veritas Building project.

The Veritas building project consists of the construction of a new 2 story building with a gross floor area of 3194m2.

We see the Veritas Building as the new heart of the campus. The new building will provide the Australian Catholic University with state-of-the-art library facilities, flexible learning areas, a modernised lecture space, staff amenities, an inviting student cafe’ and common areas to encourage collaboration, imagination and creativity which are all inducive to learning and high achievement.

The Veritas building will sit between two existing buildings. Covered walkways will connect the three buildings making each building easily accessible all
year round.

The building will be constructed to achieve a 5 Star Green Star –Design and As Built v1.1 certified rating. Well done to our bid team; Luke Bruvel, Skye Russell and Darren Priddle for their efforts securing this project.

Residential Project Win for Cockram

May 3, 2017

Cockram Construction is excited to announce its appointment by Defence Housing Australia (DHA) to deliver the landmark Arkadia apartment project located in Alexandria. The works are valued at $67m.

This initiative represents Cockram’s significant expansion into the Residential market, off the back of CASA Residences currently being constructed in Erskineville – due for completion later this year. Arkadia combines contemporary apartment living with lush green spaces and distinctive residential facilities.

On Cockram’s partnership with DHA, State Manager, Roger Ornek expressed his excitement about collaborating on the project: “Cockram is proud to be aligning with DHA to deliver quality housing to the heart of Sydney CBD and setting a new benchmark in residential development,” adding that, “We hope Arkadia will be the beginning of a long and trusted partnership which will continue to deliver quality buildings for DHA”.

DHA Managing Director, Jan Mason said, “I am delighted that we will be partnering with Cockram to complete this state-of-the-art residential project that will be a major addition to this important inner-Sydney precinct.”

“Cockram has a reputation for safety, quality of work, professionalism and development of its staff. In many ways, the values they exhibit are very similar to those we pursue at DHA,” Ms Mason said.

Construction will commence in May 2017, with completion expected in November 2018. Located at 18 Huntley Street, Arkadia will comprise 152 modern apartments and terraces designed by high-profile architects DKO.

Cockram welcomes strategic investment by Kajima Corporation

Cockram Construction (“Cockram”) is pleased to announce that international construction company, Kajima Corporation (“Kajima”) has made a strategic investment in Cockram.

Malcolm Batten, Managing Director, Cockram said: “Kajima has a global track record of investing in high performance businesses and retaining and working with the local management to successfully help them grow their businesses. This investment demonstrates confidence in our strategy of providing diversified construction services throughout Australia and Asia Pacific.

“Kajima’s investment provides us with the financial resources and technical expertise to enable us to grow our existing specialist market in social infrastructure in Australia. It will also ultimately allow us to expand our international business in Asia Pacific and the United States where demand is growing.”

All existing Cockram executive shareholders will remain invested in the company alongside Kajima who will become the majority shareholder.

Kajima has been in business for over 175 years with current annual revenues of approximately A$21 billion. Kajima entered the Australian construction market in 2015 with a similar strategic investment in Icon Construction Group (“Icon”), an Australian residential and commercial builder. Kajima’s investment in Cockram will ultimately lead to a merger between Cockram’s Australian business and Icon during 2019.

The merger will combine Icon’s extensive residential and commercial construction expertise with Cockram’s specialist social infrastructure business to create a compelling full spectrum construction services offering in Australia.

Wallan Sewerage Treatment Plant Upgrade

March 1, 2017

Cockram has successfully delivered a unique waste water project with our joint venture partner, CCB Envico. The Wallan Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) Upgrade project, valued at $17.0M, was handed over to clients Yarra Valley Water in December 2016 after an 18 month delivery period.

The new Wallan STP located to the north of the existing lagoons within the Yarra Valley Water site provides the town of Wallan with an increased capacity to treat an average dry weather flow of 4ML/day and a peak wet weather flow of 16ML/day. The key feature of the project is the concrete tank that includes two Bioreactors, Splitter Box and Balance Tank within the 50m long x 30m wide x 6m high tank that can hold up to 7ML.

Other treatment features include a Screening area with two screens and a lift pump well, Chemical Storage and Dosing facilities, Tertiary Filter area, RAS and WAS pumps and a Filtered Water storage tank. The FW storage tank is connected to the existing Recycled Water treatment plant, lagoons and also has an emergency discharge to the adjacent creek. Also included are an Amenities building with office, kitchen, laboratory and bathroom facilities, a Maintenance Shed and a Ring Road around the new facility.

Our diversification into new sectors of the market has seen us deliver projects across many industries, including water, IT and infrastructure supplementing our already diverse project mix.

We look forward to continuing to deliver outstanding Projects in 2017.

Holmesglen Private Hospital

February 8, 2017

Cockram has delivered another outstanding health facility with practical completion on the $60.0M Holmesglen Private Hospital in Moorabbin, Victoria.

Healthscope partnered with Holmesglen Institute of TAFE to develop part of their existing Moorabbin site into the new Holmesglen Private Hospital. The project converted an existing conference centre into a health and education precinct, providing clinical training for Holmesglen’s health science students, as well as health care for local residents.

Key features of the new private hospital for bayside suburbs include 7 operating theatres with a further cardiac catheter laboratory, a dedicated ICU and CCU, 24 hour emergency department, day oncology, approximately 140 beds and associated support services including radiology, pathology, pharmacy, a diagnostic imaging facility, consulting suites, a commercial kitchen and a retail cafe.

The hospital successfully opened on schedule on Monday 16th January 2017 with operating theatres and the emergency department being put to use within the first few hours of the hospital opening.

The successful completion of the project has further enhanced Cockram ‘s excellent reputation in the health sector and was a key factor in us recently being awarded our second project for Healthscope in Victoria; the John Fawkner Private Hospital expansion project.

The Calyx at the Royal Botanic Garden

January 16, 2017

Coined ‘a jewel in the Garden’, The Calyx project was the redevelopment of the existing Tropical Centre in the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney. This striking visitor attraction – is Australia’s first dedicated horticultural display centre – a living art gallery.

Won through a design competition, Cockram engaged PTW Architects, Structural Engineer: BG&E and Landscape Architects: McGregor Coxall to design this highly flexible building, using elements of the original Arc Glasshouse, while retaining the design quality, integrity and innovation of the existing structure.

The resulting building is a highly flexible, multipurpose space that can be easily adapted for exhibitions, educational experiences, functions, corporate entertainment and the like.

This new world-class attraction opened in June 2016 and was the major legacy project of the Garden’s 200th birthday celebration program.

Cockram and our design team, in co-operation with the client and their project manager have delivered a high quality bespoke, circular, public building that represents the design and construction philosophy, operating at its very best.

For more information on the project – click HERE
For information on current exhibitions – click HERE

Photography: John Gollings

Cockram builds state of the art sporting facilities for Camberwell Grammar School

January 13, 2017

Cockram has recently completed one of the most impressive private sporting facilities in Australia for Camberwell Grammar School, with the construction of a $45.0M sports complex, chapel and function centre.

This ambitious project was successfully delivered on time and on budget, achieving Practical Completion on the 7th November 2016, and the School could not be more delighted.

“We are particularly grateful to the Cockram team for your professional and friendly manner throughout the project and for your cooperation and guidance through the many complexities and challenges faced in developing this diverse and state-of-the-art facility. Thanks to the many good people who contributed to this project, the School now has a magnificent new Chapel and Sports Centre – to be treasured for many years to come.”Chris Lloyd – Business Manager, Camberwell Grammar School

Key features of the project include a newly constructed sports oval, aquatic facilities, basketball and table tennis halls, gymnasium and ergonomic rooms, class rooms and office areas. The aquatic facility includes a 51.5 metre swimming pool with a dividing boom allowing for 50 metre, two 25 metre and water polo settings, a learn to swim program pool, concourse areas, spectator seating and associated wet area amenities. The new sports centre also provides the school with first class function facilities including a 200 seat chapel, commercial kitchen, function room and balcony overlooking the re-instated Keith Anderson Oval. A 250 space carpark constructed beneath the oval will provide staff and visitor car parking facilities, and bus drop off and parent pick-up zones to ease congestion and traffic flow in surrounding residential streets. Extensive external landscaping to the surrounds of the new sports centre and oval have also been completed as part of the works.

The successful completion of this outstanding project has further enhanced Cockram’s excellent reputation in the sporting and aquatics space.

Cockram Wins 2016 National Export Award

Cockram Corporation is the 2016 Winner of the Master Builders Australia (MBA) National Export Award – Building and Construction Contractors or Services. Cockram has previously won MBA Export Awards in 2009, 2003, 2002 and 2001.

Since Cockram’s first overseas expansion to China in 1993, our presence has grown and today we enjoy the success of a significant and thriving profitable business, with four office locations in China and operations in India, Hong Kong, Thailand, USA and Puerto Rico. This Award is testament to our robust systems, talented people and pioneering spirit, which allow us to confidently offer project solutions throughout the world.

The specific project nominated was the major contracts works undertaken at Shanghai Disneyland by Cockram Projects Limited. The success of this project launched the new entity, Scenario – A Cockram Company, which is our recent expansion into theme parks in China and globally, with primary offices in Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Orlando, Shanghai and Thailand and current projects in Asia, USA and the Middle East. Scenario draws upon decades of Show Contracting experience and over 150 years of Cockram’s experience in project and construction management.

2016 Victorian Client Function

November 17, 2016

In October Cockram held its annual function for our valued clients, now in its sixth year. The view and Wagyu burgers at Vue de Monde were exceptional as always, and we enjoyed a great night of networking with our industry friends. Thanks to all those who attended. To view photos of the evening, click here.

Burwood Hospital, New Zealand’s Largest Public Health Project

The circa NZ$200.0M Burwood Health Campus is part of the largest and most complex hospital building project in the history of New Zealand’s public health service, and was officially opened by New Zealand Prime Minister John Key on 19 August 2016. Cockram Construction teamed up with Canterbury-based Leighs Construction to deliver the project as Leighs Cockram JV Ltd. The company was formed specifically to tender the project and was shortlisted because of its local and overseas experience and reputation for delivering high quality, large-scale building projects.
Included in the 32,500 square metre project are three three-storey ward blocks for medical, rehabilitation and mental health services for the elderly that will provide accommodation for up to 230 patients; clinical support services such as radiology and pharmacy; an outpatient clinic that will cater for about 80,000 outpatients visits each year; administration facilities, general service spaces such as a central kitchen to service the entire Burwood campus, plant rooms, loading areas and a new front entrance for the Burwood Hospital.

Order is restored for this 1911 heritage gem

May 26, 2016

The Queensland division has recently completed a redevelopment of the original 1911 Mater Public Hospital building at Woolloongabba which is now restored to its former glory.

The heritage-listed Whitty Building was only Brisbane’s second public hospital when it opened more than a century ago, and remained used for clinical practice until 1981.

The building has since largely been used for administrative and outpatient services however, has now been restored to serve as a medical education facility for The University of Queensland.

The project which was designed by Conrad Gargett, provides a clinical teaching environment for students from Mater and The University of Queensland.

The restoration will now allow medical, nursing, midwifery and allied health students to experience the best of theory and practice in a tertiary teaching hospital, and now also accommodates education and teaching spaces, administrative offices, student amenities and various business units.

Other project construction works have included the movement of fire lines, cutting into and diversion of water, altering of mechanical chilled water, pneumatic tube relocation, stem relocation, existing hospital equipment relocation, isolation and disconnection of power boards, installation of breakers into existing power boards, and isolation of existing fire sprinkler pipes.

The presence of staff, patients and visitors in the project surrounds meant that safety was a paramount operational consideration. The site is located within the busy Mater campus at South Brisbane which was in operation at all times. Understanding our client’s business and how our activities could impact on their operations enabled Mater to continue their day to day operations without interruption.

The project team consisted of Cockram as the head contractor alongside Aurecon, Turner and Townsend, Conrad Gargett, Cardno, WSP and TT Building Surveyors.

Baptcare expands on Templestowe Orchards Community in Doncaster

November 11, 2015

After continued national success in the public health and aged care sector, the Victorian division has recently been awarded a new $30.0M private aged care facility for Baptcare at its Templestowe Orchards Community in Doncaster, Victoria.

As part of Baptcare’s exciting plans to create a modern integrated living community, Cockram will deliver a new 150 bedroom Residential Aged Care facility over four levels including a basement, commercial kitchen and a link bridge on three levels.

The lead consultants on the project are Connect PM – Project Managers and CHT Architects (Australia).

The site is located within the Andersons Creek Road Baptcare facility and is surrounded by an access road to the existing operational facility which includes a church and community centre.

Co-ordination of the construction works along the site boundary will be critical in ensuring that the existing tree protection zone is maintained when completing the site excavation. Works outside of the site boundary will require careful planning and co-ordination to ensure the daily operations of the site are not interrupted, whilst also ensuring that safe access for elderly residents and visitors is maintained.

The structure consists of 34 piles combining a shotcrete and precast panel retention system and four floors of post-tensioned slabs above.

There are three different types of bedrooms which will all provide different levels of care with internal common areas such as dining and living rooms and administration offices.

The façade includes feature brickwork and aluminium curtain walling over the four and five floor structure, with an external podium level that will connect into future proposed stages of the development.

Cockram will be driving a design solution to the external façade in consultation with our sub-contractor and design team to ensure that design intent is maintained, and value for money is provided.

Access throughout the building is provided by two passenger lifts that are accessed from the carpark basement through to the top floor. A goods lift also transports items from the basement commercial kitchen to the individual serveries located on each floor.

The fixed lump sum project commenced in December 2015 and has a Stage 1 forecast completion date of April 2017. The next Stage 1a project is expected to commence from July 2016, as part of the Master Plan for the overall site.

2015 Victorian Client Function

November 9, 2015

For the fifth year running, Cockram’s Victorian division held their annual client function at Vue de Monde. Our guests mingled over sumptuous Wagyu Burgers as we celebrated another successful year. To view photos of the evening, click here.

Cockram secures Latrobe Regional Hospital Stage 2A Project

November 1, 2015

Cockram Victoria were awarded the $57.8M project for the Larobe Regional Hospital which commenced on site in November 2016.

We return to work at the hospital after successfully building their Latrobe Valley Cancer Care Clinic in 2006. Located in Traralgon, the hospital is embarking on the landmark Stage 2A Redevelopment and the scope includes:

New two level Acute building, which on completion will become the new entrance to the hospital. The building includes:

New emergency department, including fast track and high acuity areas, ambulance bays, short stay ward, paediatric assessment area, dispensary and general office spaces

Main entry atrium and café

Satellite imaging area

Two new endoscopy rooms and a day procedures unit including amenities and associated support and recovery areas

Cardiac hybrid catheterisation laboratory including associated support and recovery areas

New three level inpatients unit with 64 beds, support spaces, offices and bariatric rooms

Two linkways which connect the existing hospital to the Stage 2A Redevelopment, one of which breaks through two existing bedrooms and must be completed as late as possible in the project to ensure the hospital capacity is maintained

Major services upgrades to the existing hospital which involve upgrades of existing services and installing new thermal plant, installation of a new stand-by generator, major gas diversions, site wide fire service upgrades and increased capacity for medical gases

New buildings will be constructed on the western side of the hospital precinct along Village Avenue, behind the Gippsland Cancer Care Centre, which Cockram previously completed in August 2006.

A carpark on Village Avenue has been extended to accommodate the loss of car parks on the construction site and a pedestrian footpath leading from the car park will soon be completed with a crossing installed before the main works get underway.

Next for Cockram NSW

Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) has unveiled its plans to turn Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) into one of Australia’s most technically advanced and connected stadiums for fans, members and stakeholders, in partnership with Cockram Construction, IBM and Cisco.
Cockram Construction has been appointed as Head Contractor for the project, which will connect fans and improve the spectator experience, bringing them closer to the action as it happens. It includes:

A super-fast, secure, high-density WiFi network in and around the stadium, allowing fans to access real-time and interactive content and to engage with other fans.

A state-of-the-art exterior LED lighting system that will enhance the visual appearance of the MCG and allow teams/clubs to personalise and theme the stadium for their fans.

A best-of-breed Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) system to deliver digital content to high-definition displays throughout the MCG, displaying information as it happens.

Best-in-class facilities for media and broadcasters that will enable faster supply of event content to fans around the world.

Cockram has worked closely with the MCC since late 2013, heading up the Early Contractor Involvement phase of the project. These works are the next phase in a $45 million investment, which will deliver a cutting-edge, high-density WiFi network inside the MCG, allowing fans, members and stakeholders fast access to the internet on any device at the stadium.

“The MCC work is an important part of our Telecommunications and Information Technology project commitments” said Cockram Managing Director, Malcolm Batten.

The IPTV solution will see installation of 800 high-definition screens. Fans will be able to watch high-definition replays and keep track of the action as it unfolds. Coupled with existing screens, a total of 2800 televisions around the stadium will mean that fans won’t miss a moment.

“I am delighted that the MCG will soon be one of the most connected stadiums in the country,” said MCC CEO Stephen Gough. “This is a significant investment to improve and personalise the MCG customer experience and also operate a more efficient stadium.”

One of the central pillars of the MCG technology improvements surrounds the ability to theme the stadium in the colours of the home team. Approximately 240 LED lamps will light the entire underside of the upper area of Level 4 seating, enabling the exterior of the stadium to be lit up in team/club colours, allowing AFL and cricket tenants to differentiate their home matches.
LED strip lighting will also be installed on the exterior façade to highlight the stadium, including gate entrances. Improved external digital way finding signage will be provided in Yarra Park.

“We look forward to delivering a critical piece of technology infrastructure for the most iconic sporting stadium in the country”, said Cockram Managing Director, Malcolm Batten.

Cockram Queensland win National Master Builders Association Award

December 17, 2014

Cockram Construction’s Queensland division were delighted to receive the 2014 National Master Builders Lifestyle Housing For Seniors Award, which was presented to Cockram at a ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra on 21st November. This award recognises the building industry’s significant role in developing innovative housing options for older Australians and the $60M Azure Blue Integrated Living project, delivered in May this year was the successful recipient.

The development consists of a 128 bed High Care aged care facility in two, three storey connected structures, plus administration, community facilities, a commercial kitchen, commercial laundry, loading dock and basement car parking.

The apartments all feature high quality fixtures and fittings with reverse-cycle air-conditioning, a dishwasher and pre-wired for internet, telephone and intercoms. Grab rails have been installed in all bathrooms and there is a 24hour emergency nurse call in all bathrooms. Independent living units have a direct phone link for assistance in case of emergency. On site management takes care of gardening and maintenance.

A peaceful bushland outlook has been retained throughout the development and many of the apartments have views of the retained natural vegetation. There are also a number of gently sloping, raised timber walkways throughout the development which have been built to the disability standards 2010 which allows residents to stroll through the retained natural forest.

With over 60 years of experience providing care and support for the community, BlueCare has developed the Azure Blue model which provides luxury retirement living in convenient locations with the added benefit of security and peace of mind provided by the BlueCare community. The Azure Blue Carina development was designed with the aim to provide resort style, independent living options to retirees aged 65 or more looking for an improved lifestyle where they can still age in place, close to their social networks and recreational interests.

Cockram Construction has again received recognition at the Master Builders Association of Victoria 2014 Excellence in Construction Awards. On 8 August, the company was awarded two prestigious awards for the Wesley College New Moubray Street Precinct project and Box Hill Institute Integrated Technology Hub.

This recognition continues Cockram’s tradition of success, which dates back to the very beginning of the MBAV Awards. It reflects the pride that Cockram takes in all aspects of our work, but in particular the success of delivering complex buildings in sensitive, operational environments, to an exceptional level of quality.
Mal Batten, Managing Director, would like to extended his congratulations to the Project Teams. “They put in a great effort, and clearly the outcomes are outstanding. The awards are also a great chance for everyone in the company to reflect on the fabulous outcomes we achieve across all our projects. The success of Cockram in these awards is a public recognition of our commitment to Excellence in all we do.”

John Glasson Executive Director of Incolink presenting the award to Cockram’s Victorian State Manager, Michael Clemenger

Excellence in Construction of Commercial Buildings $20‐30MWesley College New Moubray Street Precinct